Systems and methods for hair extensions

ABSTRACT

A method for attaching a hair extension to natural hair of an individual includes threading portions of natural hair through a first mesh and a fixing element. The first mesh including a first grid-based mesh with two or more openings and two or more first portions of snap buttons, where the natural hair is threaded through the two or more openings. The method further includes positioning the first mesh against the scalp, fixing the first mesh to the portions of natural hair with the fixing element positioned against the mesh, and fastening, with the snap buttons, a second mesh to the first mesh. The second mesh includes a second grid-based mesh with hair extensions affixed thereto, and two or more second portions of the snap buttons fixed to the second grid-based mesh where the first portions of the snap buttons align with the second portions of the snap buttons.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to, and is a continuation-in-part of,Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/579,316, filed on Jan.19, 2022.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to the field of hair extensions.

BACKGROUND

Hair extensions are attachable hair that are fastened to an individual'snatural hair to improve its appearance. The attachable processed hair ofhair extensions may comprise pre-cut human hair or artificial hair. Hairextensions may be attached to an individual's natural hair in variousways. For example, hair extensions may be fastened to an individual'snatural hair via a glue. In another example, hair extensions may be sewnto the individual's natural hair. In yet another example, hairextensions may be clipped to the individual's natural hair. Forinstance, hair extensions may be fixed to beads or micro-rings. Theindividual's natural hair may be threaded through the beads ormicro-rings to attach the hair extensions to the natural hair.

The various techniques have advantages and disadvantages. In general,hair extensions tend to be expensive and/or time consuming to installand maintain. Further, many types of hair extensions are semi-permanentwhereby they are not easily removed. Further, hair extensions are oftenattached to natural hair near the roots. However, the attachmentposition changes as the roots grow out, which could result in issuesrelated to maintenance, styling, and appearance.

Washing and maintaining natural hair while hair extensions are attachedcan be difficult and tiresome given that the hair extensions must bewashed, styled and dried along with the rest of the natural hair, whichresults in the need for additional maintenance time and hair productusage. Even when hair extensions improve the look and feel of naturalhair, they often limit styling options based on the position of the hairextensions. Issues may arise when hair extensions get wet or pulled.Additionally, playing sports, exercising, or pursuing an activelifestyle effectively limits one's ability to wear hair extensions giventhe burden associated with re-stalling or adjusting existing hairextensions.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for hair extensions that improveupon the stated drawbacks of hair extensions. The disclosed subjectmatter advances the art in multiple ways including but not limited toreducing the time to attach hair extensions, making it easier to removeand reattach hair extensions, and reducing the time to adjust hairextensions after natural hair has grown out.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems for hair extensions are provided. An exemplaryembodiment is a method for attaching a hair extension to natural hair ofan individual. The method includes threading portions of natural hairthrough a first mesh. The first mesh includes a first grid-based meshand two or more openings in the first grid-based mesh. The first meshfurther includes two or more first portions of snap buttons fixed to thefirst grid-based mesh where the natural hair is threaded through the twoor more openings in the first grid-based mesh. The method includespositioning the first mesh against a scalp of an individual and fixingthe first mesh to the portions of natural hair of the individual. Themethod includes fastening, with the snap buttons, a second mesh to thefirst mesh. The second mesh includes a second grid-based mesh and hairextensions fixed to the second grid-based mesh. The second mesh furtherincludes two or more second portions of the snap buttons fixed to thesecond grid-based mesh where the first portions of the snap buttonsalign with the second portions of the snap buttons.

The method may further include adjusting a position of the first meshafter the natural hair of the individual has grown out. The adjustmentincludes unfixing the first mesh from the portions of natural hair ofthe individual and positioning the first mesh against the scalp of theindividual by pulling the portion of natural hair through the two ormore openings in the first mesh. The adjustment further includes fixingthe first mesh to the portions of natural hair of the individual. Thefirst mesh may include interwoven strands of inert material. The firstmesh may further include regular spaces in between the strands of inertmaterial. The two or more openings may be larger than the regularspaces. The second mesh may include interwoven strands of inertmaterial. The method may further include unfastening the second meshfrom the first mesh and fastening, with the snap buttons, a third meshto the first mesh. The third mesh includes a third grid-based mesh andhair extensions fixed to the third grid-based mesh. The third meshfurther includes two or more second portions of the snap buttons fixedto the third grid-based mesh where the first portions of the snapbuttons align with the second portions of the snap buttons.

Another general aspect is a hair extension system. The hair extensionsystem includes a first mesh. The first mesh includes a first grid-basedmesh, two or more openings in the first grid-based mesh, and two or morefirst portions of snap buttons fixed to the first grid-based mesh. Thehair extension system further includes a second mesh. The second meshincludes a second grid-based mesh, hair extensions fixed to the secondgrid-based mesh, and two or more second portions of the snap buttonsfixed to the second grid-based mesh where the first portions of the snapbuttons align with the second portions of the snap buttons. The secondmesh is attachable to the first mesh. The hair extension system mayfurther include a fixing element that fastens natural hair, which isthreaded through at least one of the two or more openings, to the firstmesh. The first mesh may include interwoven strands of inert material.The first mesh may further include regular spaces in between the strandsof inert material. The two or more openings may be larger than theregular spaces. The second mesh includes interwoven strands of inertmaterial and regular spaces in between the strands of inert material.The hair extension system may further include a third mesh. The thirdmesh includes a third grid-based mesh, hair extensions fixed to thethird grid-based mesh, and two or more second portions of the snapbuttons fixed to the third grid-based mesh where the first portions ofthe snap buttons align with the second portions of the snap buttons.

An exemplary embodiment is a hair extension system. The hair extensionsystem includes an anchor that is fixable to a scalp of an individual.The anchor includes a grid-based mesh, two or more openings in thegrid-based mesh, and two or more first portions of snap buttons fixed tothe grid-based mesh. The hair extension system may further include afirst hair extension. The first hair extension includes processed hairattached to a strip of material and two or more second portions of thesnap buttons fixed to the strip of material where the first portions ofthe snap buttons align with the second portions of the snap buttons. Thegrid-based mesh may include interwoven strands of inert material. Thegrid-based mesh may further include regular spaces in between thestrands of inert material. The two or more openings may be larger thanthe regular spaces. The hair extension system may further include asecond hair extension. The second hair extension includes processed hairattached to a strip of material and two or more second portions of thesnap buttons fixed to the strip of material where the first portions ofthe snap buttons align with the second portions of the snap buttons. Thefirst hair extension and second hair extension may be attachable to theanchor. The first hair extension and second hair extension may beinterchangeably attachable to the anchor while the anchor is fixed tothe scalp of the individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an anchor that may be installed in anembodiment of the disclosed hair extension system.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a hair extension that may be installed inan embodiment of the disclosed hair extension system.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a process for installing a disclosed hairextension system.

FIG. 4 is another illustration of a hair extension that may be installedin an embodiment of the disclosed hair extension system.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of natural hair that is threadedthrough one of the openings in the anchor.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an anchor that is installed to a scalp ofan individual in an embodiment of the disclosed hair extension system.

FIG. 7 is another illustration of an anchor that is installed to a scalpof an individual in an embodiment of the disclosed hair extensionsystem.

FIG. 8 is yet another illustration of an anchor that is installed to ascalp of an individual in an embodiment of the disclosed hair extensionsystem.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a fixing element being installed onto thethreaded natural hair in an embodiment of the disclosed hair extensionsystem.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the fixing element being secured in placevia clamping in an embodiment of the disclosed hair extension system.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an anchor with two rows of first portionbuttons that each accept a hair extension in an embodiment of thedisclosed hair extension system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosed subject matter.However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presentdisclosed subject matter may be practiced without such specific details.In other instances, well-known elements, processes or techniques havebeen briefly mentioned and not elaborated on in order not to obscure thedisclosed subject matter in unnecessary detail and description.Moreover, specific details and the like may have been omitted inasmuchas such details are not deemed necessary to obtain a completeunderstanding of the disclosed subject matter, and are considered to bewithin the understanding of persons having ordinary skill in therelevant art.

The disclosed subject matter includes systems and methods for hairextensions. The hair extension system improves upon the art bysimplifying the steps for fixing hair extensions to a scalp of anindividual. A larger segment of the population will have access to thedisclosed subject matter as the ease of installation allows hairextensions to be applied in potentially less time and with less expensethan the contemporary art.

The disclosed hair extension system further advances the art by allowingfor an improved process of maintaining hair extensions. Onceinstallation is complete, the disclosed hair extensions may be removedand reattached with relative ease in a modular manner. Accordingly, thehair extensions may be removed for various reasons including strenuousactivity, bad weather, professional demands, and leisure while allowingfor the hair extensions to be quickly and easily reattached. In oneexample, the disclosed hair extensions, once installed, may be easilyremoved by unsnapping them from an anchor that is fixed to the scalp.The same or different hair extension may be easily re-snapped back intoplace with minimal effort. Accordingly, individuals that ordinarilycould not wear hair extensions due to demands that proscribe the use ofhair extensions, may easily remove the disclosed hair extensions for aprohibitive activity and reattach the hair extensions afterward.

The disclosed hair extensions comprise an anchor that may be fixed tothe scalp of an individual. In various embodiments, the anchor isattached by threading portions of natural hair through holes in theanchor. Once fixed to the scalp, hair extensions may be fastened to theanchor with the aid of snap buttons. A first part of a multitude of snapbuttons may be affixed to the anchor. Hair extensions may be fastened tothe anchor by snapping them into the first part of the multitude ofbuttons. To facilitate attachment, the hair extensions are fixed to astrip of material that includes the second part of the multitude ofbuttons. Accordingly, various hair extensions may be attached andremoved with ease after the anchor is in place.

As the anchor is attached to the scalp via threading portions of naturalhair through holes in the anchor, there is an issue that exists withmost hair extensions in that the position of the anchor changes as thenatural hair grows. Ordinarily, the portions of natural hair are pulledthrough the holes in the anchor until the anchor is fixed against theroot of the natural hair. However, the natural hair grows over time,which disengages the anchor from the scalp. The disclosed hair extensionsystem allows for the anchor to be easily readjusted to account forthis. The natural hair may be unfastened from the anchor and thenfurther pulled until the anchor is fixed against the scalp. Thus, theposition of the anchor may be adjusted with minimal time and effort, andwithout additional expense or the need for professional servicing.

Hair extensions often wear out over a period of time. The disclosedsystem allows for easy replacement of worn hair extensions. Theinstalled and worn hair extensions may be unfastened from the anchor byunsnapping the hair extensions from the anchor. Another newer hairextension may subsequently be attached to the anchor while the anchor isstill fastened to the scalp of the individual. Accordingly, anindividual may exchange a multitude of hair extensions while a singleanchor is installed.

The hair extensions may comprise a variety of lengths, sizes and shapes.Accordingly, the anchor may also comprise a variety of lengths, sizesand shapes. Each anchor may include a multitude of first portions ofsnap buttons. In various embodiments, the anchor has only two firstportions of snap buttons. In various embodiments, the anchor may includeas many as twelve first portions of snap buttons over a length ofapproximately one foot. The anchor in the disclosed hair extensionsystem may even comprise longer anchors depending on the needs of theindividual. An individual may attach multiple hair extension anchors tothe roots of their natural hair, the positions of which may bedetermined by preference and style.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an illustration shows an anchor 100 that may beinstalled in an embodiment of the disclosed hair extension system. Theanchor 100 may be attached to the scalp of an individual by threadingthe individual's natural hair through openings 115 in the anchor. Theterm “natural hair” used herein refers to hair that is growing from ahair follicle that is located in an outer skin layer of the scalp of anindividual. Natural hair is growing and is a part of an individual,while the terms “processed hair”, “artificial hair”, “synthetic hair”,and “hair extensions” used herein refer to hair that is not growing, noris it a part of the individual. Instead, the individual is indirectlycombining the hair extensions with their natural hair via the anchor100, to enhance the look and effect of the natural hair.

To attach the hair extensions to the natural hair, the anchor 100 isfirst fastened to the natural hair. The natural hair, portions of whichare threaded through the openings 115 in the anchor, helps to secure theanchor 100 to the scalp. Accordingly, the portions of natural hair arepulled through the openings 115 of the anchor 100 until the anchor ispositioned against the roots of the natural hair. In this way, only theanchor 100 is attached to an individual's head, so that a hair extensionor processed hair is not attached directly to the head, natural hair, orscalp. Furthermore, the anchor 100 itself does not include processedhair, such that no hair extension is attached to the anchor 100. Clips,beads, or other fastening elements may be used to fasten to the portionsof natural hair and secure the anchor 100 against the scalp of theindividual. FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8 illustrate embodiments of thefastening elements, which are widely sold and come in a variety ofshapes and types.

The anchor 100 includes a first grid mesh 105 that comprises a longstrip of variable length depending on the needs of the individual user.In various embodiments, the grid mesh 105 is made of interwoven strandsof inert material such as nylon. Regular gaps (or spaces) 106 in betweenthe strands of inert material provide for circulation as the anchor 100is secured to the scalp of the individual. Perspiration may evaporatethrough the gaps 106 and oils on the skin may be washed away through thegaps 106. While the grid mesh 105 is depicted as a long rectangularstrip, the grid mesh may take the form of other dimensions or shapes inother embodiments that are within the scope of the present disclosure.By way of example, the grid mesh may have an elongated elliptical orsemicircle shape. Again, no processed hair or hair extension is attachedto the first grid-based mesh 105.

Attached to the grid mesh 105 at regular intervals are a multitude ofbuttons 110. Specifically, the buttons 110 are first portions oftwo-part buttons that can be snapped together to fasten them. Variousstyles and types of buttons 110 may be attached to the grid mesh 105. Inan exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the button 110 comprises aprotrusion or cap. A second portion includes a socket. The cap of thefirst portion of the button 110 is inserted into the socket of thesecond portion of the button. A socket includes a spring portion thatsurrounds the cap of the first portion. An applied force will push thecap past the spring portion to snap the button together. Likewise, forceis used to unsnap the button and remove the cap from the socket. Oncesnapped, the button 110 remains snapped until enough force is applied toseparate the cap from the socket. Buttons 110 may be manufactured suchthat the force required to snap and unsnap the button 110 may becontrolled. In various embodiments, the buttons 110 may be configured tounsnap with less force than could damage the hair extensions. Thus, apulling force that would otherwise damage the hair extensions wouldinstead detach the hair extensions from the anchor 100. Neither firstnor second portions of the buttons 110 are designed to fasten, thread,or otherwise make any intended contact with natural hair, such that anindividual's natural hair is not clamped between any portions of thebuttons 110.

The anchor 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes five buttons 110 and sixopenings 115, which are spaced at regular intervals along the length ofthe anchor 100. Each of the openings has a perimeter edge formed by theinert material of the grid mesh 105. The ends of the anchor 100terminate with an opening rather than a button 110, as the openingfastens the grid mesh 105 to the scalp and is the primary means by whichthe anchor 100 and hair extensions remain stationary on the scalp. Theanchor 100 may comprise various lengths which comprise a variable numberof buttons 110 and openings 115. FIG. 4 , FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8 each showan embodiment of the anchor 100 with a different length and differentnumbers of buttons 110 and openings 115. Moreover, other embodiments ofthe anchor may comprise buttons 110 and openings 115 that are spaced atirregular intervals.

Referring to FIG. 2 , FIG. 2 is an illustration of a hair extension 220that may be installed in an embodiment of the disclosed hair extensionsystem. The hair extension 220 may be attached to the anchor 100 byfastening the second portion snap buttons 230, which are included in thehair extensions, to the first portion snap buttons 110 of the anchor100. Again, natural hair is not clamped between any portions of thebuttons, and the hair extension or processed hair is not attacheddirectly to an individual's head, natural hair, or scalp, providing asafer and more convenient system for the natural hair. In an exemplaryembodiment, the hair extension 220 includes a second grid mesh 225, amultitude of second portion snap buttons 230 attached to the grid mesh225, and processed hair 240 that is also attached to the grid mesh 225.

The hair extension 220 may be attached and detached from the anchor 100.To install the hair extension 220 onto the scalp of an individual(ideally to enhance or otherwise style their natural hair), the anchor100 is first fastened to the scalp of the individual. Subsequently, thehair extension 220 is secured to the anchor 100 by snapping the hairextension 220 to the first portion snap buttons 110 on the anchor 100,without clamping any natural hair between the buttons. The hairextension 220 is easily removed or detached from the anchor 100 byapplying enough force to unsnap the hair extension 220 from the buttons110 on the anchor 100. Multiple hair extensions 220 may be used with asingle anchor 100, which gives the individual maximal versatility withhair styling.

For instance, the individual may easily install the hair extension 220for a professional setting and uninstall the hair extension 220 forleisure in a short time. Hair extensions 220 may be swapped using thesame anchor 100, providing for significantly different hair styling in ashort amount of time and with minimal professional aid. Becauseartificial hair wears out over time, the hair extension 220 may beeasily replaced without replacement of the anchor 100, thus saving timeand money. As well, the integrity of the processed hair can be preservedfor much longer since the individual need not wash, cut, or color it,instead conveniently unbuttoning and removing it from the anchor 100 asnecessary prior to such activities. Thus the hair extension 220 can lastyears longer than conventional extensions.

The second grid mesh 225 may comprise interwoven strands of inertmaterial. In various embodiments, which are not shown in FIG. 2 , thegrid mesh 225 comprises a fabric material such as cotton. In anotherembodiment, grid mesh 225 comprises a polymeric material. Like the firstgrid mesh 105 that forms the anchor 100, the second grid mesh 225 mayinclude regular gaps 226 in between the strands of interwoven material.Thus fluids, such as perspiration and oils that are secreted from poresin the scalp may be easily washed away.

Attached to the second grid mesh 225 are a multitude of second portionsnap buttons 230. The buttons 230 are second portions of two-partbuttons that snap into the first part of the buttons that are fixed tothe anchor 100. In various embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 1and FIG. 2 , the buttons comprise a first portion that include a cap anda second portion that include a socket. The portion of the button thatis fixed to the anchor 100 and the portion that is fixed to the hairextension 220 may be interchanged. The embodiments shown in FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 show a first portion of the button that includes a cap attachedto the anchor 100 and a second portion that includes a socket attachedto the hair extension 220. In various embodiments, different types ofbuttons may be employed to accomplish the function of securing the hairextension 220 to the anchor 100.

The processed hair 240 is attached to the grid mesh 225 and representsthe ultimate purpose of the disclosed subject matter. The processed hair240 may comprise synthetic hair that is manufactured or natural hairthat once grew on an individual. In many cases, the individual mayselect the processed hair 240 such that it seamlessly blends with theirown natural hair. The processed hair 240 may come in a variety ofcolors, lengths, and retain various properties that control how theprocessed hair 240 responds to optional styling, washing, and treatment.

Multiple anchors 100 may be installed on a single individual, whereby aseparate hair extension 220 can be separately secured to each anchor100. In cases where multiple anchors 100 are attached to an individual,the multiple anchors 100 need not be the same lengths or have the samenumbers of buttons. In various embodiments not shown in the figures, twoor more hair extensions 220 may be secured to a single anchor 100.

Hair extension 220 may comprise different hair styles, such as straight,wavy, or curly hair. Hair extension 220 may also comprise differentlengths and colors. Further, the hair extension 220 can be treated, forexample highlighted or balayage. Thus, the interchangeable functionalityof the disclosed hair extension system allows a user to wear differenthairstyles on a daily basis without having to change their own naturalhair. This may include the installation of a plurality of hairextensions 220 on a user's head. Another advantage of the disclosed hairextension system is that it allows the user to install the hairextensions upside-down in order to wear their hair high up on theirhead. With conventional hair extension systems, users cannot wear theirhair high up on their head because the hair extension base will bevisible (i.e. exposed) and/or because the installation method or hairextension type does not allow the hair to be pulled up to a sufficientheight on the head.

Referring to FIG. 3 , FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a process 350 forinstalling a disclosed hair extension system. The process 350 can beused to attach one or more hair extensions 220 to an individual. Oncethe hair extensions 220 are attached, the hair extensions 220 may beremoved while the anchor 100 remains, which makes for easy replacementof the same or different hair extension 220. The process 350 may beperformed by a trained hair stylist, an amateur stylist, or theindividual may perform the process 350 themselves. In all cases, theperson performing the process 350 herein is referred to as the“stylist.”

At step 351, the stylist may thread portions of natural hair through afirst mesh. An embodiment of the first mesh is the grid mesh 105 that isshown in FIG. 1 . As already stated, the natural hair is hair that isattached and growing from follicles in the scalp of the individual. Invarious embodiments, the natural hair may be bundled into a portion suchthat the cross section of a tip of the bundle is less than the crosssection of an opening 115 in the first mesh. The tip of the bundle isaccordingly threaded through the opening 115. A strength by which theanchor is held is limited by the amount of natural hair that is threadedthrough the openings 115 in the first mesh. Ideally, to maximize thestrength that the anchor 100 can be secured to the scalp, a portion ofthe natural hair is threaded through each opening 115 in the first mesh.

At step 352, the stylist may position the first mesh against the scalpof an individual. The stylist may pull the threaded portions of naturalhair through the openings 115 until the first mesh is pressed againstthe scalp of the individual. Invariably, the natural hair grows overtime causing the first mesh to loosen from the individual's scalp. Insuch cases, the stylist may easily reposition the first mesh by furtherpulling the portions of natural hair through the openings 115 until thefirst mesh is once again pressing against the scalp.

At step 353, the stylist may fix the first mesh to the portions ofnatural hair of the individual. In various embodiments, the portions ofnatural hair may be secured by fixing elements such as hair extensionbeads, which are widely available. A separate hair extension bead may bethreaded over each individual portion of natural hair that has beenthreaded through an opening 115 in step 352 of the process 350. Eachhair extension bead is threaded along the portion of natural hair untilthe hair extension bead is pressed against the opening 115 of the firstmesh. The hair extension bead must be larger than the opening 115, orelse it could go through the opening 115 and would fail to secure theanchor 100 to the scalp. Once the hair extension bead is in place, hairextension pliers may be used to clamp the hair extension bead to theportion of natural hair. The flattened fixing element is positionedagainst the mesh and is larger than, and cannot pass through, theopenings in the mesh. Accordingly, the clamped hair extension beadprevents the first mesh from moving past the position of the hairextension bead along the portion of natural hair. Thus, the first meshis fastened or locked in place between the hair extension bead (fixingelement) and the scalp of the individual.

At step 354, the stylist may fasten, with the snap buttons, a secondmesh to the first mesh. The second mesh may comprise the grid mesh 225of the hair extension 220. A first portion of the snap buttons may beattached to the first mesh and a second portion of the snap buttons maybe attached to the second mesh. Accordingly, the second mesh may besnapped into the first mesh. In an exemplary embodiment, the stylist mayfasten the hair extension 220 to the anchor 100 by aligning the buttonson the anchor with the buttons of the hair extension 220 and pressing onthe back of each button of the hair extension with enough force to causethe cap of each button to penetrate the socket of the oppositely alignedbutton and thereby engage with it, again without clamping any naturalhair.

Similarly, the stylist may unfasten the hair extension 220 from theanchor 100 by pulling the hair extension 220 from a portion in closeproximity to each of the buttons, thus unsnapping each button insuccession. The hair extension 220 may be fastened and unfastened anynumber of times until a part of the hair extension system wears out orthe anchor 100 loosens from the scalp of the individual. Further, thestylist may fasten a third mesh that comprises a second hair extensionto the first mesh after the second mesh is unfastened. Regardless of thenumber of added hair extensions and/or meshes, the activity of buttonsnapping does not cause the securing or clamping of natural hair throughor between any of the buttons.

Referring to FIG. 4 , FIG. 4 is another illustration of a hair extension420 that may be installed in an embodiment of the disclosed hairextension system. As already disclosed, the anchor 100 and the hairextension 420 may comprise a variety of lengths which can be made toaccommodate a multitude of styles and head sizes depending on the needsof the individual. Often, an individual may require multiple hairextensions to be worn simultaneously. Each of the simultaneously wornhair extensions need not be the same size, have the same processed hairlength, or even have the same processed hair color.

Like the hair extension 220 that is shown in FIG. 2 , the hair extension420 includes a grid mesh 425 that has attached to it a multitude ofsecond portion snap buttons 430, which are regularly spaced. Alsoattached to the grid mesh 425 is processed hair 440. The grid mesh 425may be made of interwoven strands of inert material with regular gaps426 in between the interwoven strands. The hair extension 420 could beworn for an extended period of time, thus the gaps 426 allow underlyingskin access to air and water. The gaps 426 reduce the incidence oftrapped particles under the grid mesh 425. Conveniently, the hairextension 420 can just as easily be removed during strenuous activity ortreatment of natural hair and quickly buttoned back onto the installedanchor 100 as needed, or simply stored and replaced on the anchor laterto further extend the lifespan of the processed hair.

The hair extension 420 may be snapped into an anchor 100 that is fixedto the scalp of an individual. Ideally, the anchor 100 will include thesame number of buttons 110 as the hair extension 420 whereby the buttons110 on the anchor 100 and the buttons 430 on the hair extension 420 areperfectly aligned. In various embodiments, one anchor 100 may be fixedto multiple hair extensions. And although not ideal, a single hairextension 420 may be snapped into multiple anchors 100. However, in thecase where one hair extension 420 is paired with more than one anchor100, great care must be taken to position the anchors 100 such thatspacing between buttons 430 is in perfect alignment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an illustration shows a portion of natural hair560 that is threaded through one of the openings 515 in the anchor 500.The anchor 500 is configured to be secured to the scalp by portions ofnatural hair 560 that are threaded through each of the openings 515.Once the natural hair 560 is threaded through each opening 515, thenatural hair 560 is pulled through the opening until the anchor 500 ispressed against the scalp of the individual.

In the exemplary embodiment that is shown in FIG. 5 , there are sixopenings 515, two of which are on the ends of the anchor 500, while fouropenings 515 are interspaced between the ends. The multitude of buttons510 are positioned in between each of the openings 515. The anchor 500should be secured to the scalp of the individual before snapping hairextensions to the anchor 500 as the hair extensions would block astylist from threading the natural hair 560 through the openings 515.Again, the anchor 500 have processed hair or hair extensions alreadyattached to it.

Once the natural hair 560 is pulled through such that the anchor 500 isnext to the scalp, a fixing element may be used to clamp the naturalhair 560 to prevent the anchor 500 from moving away from the scalp. Invarious embodiments, hair extension beads are used to clamp the naturalhair 560 and secure the anchor 500 to the scalp. The hair extensionbeads should be positioned such that each portion of natural hair 560 isthreaded through the hair extension beads after the portion of naturalhair 560 is threaded through the opening. After the portion of naturalhair 560 is pulled all the way through the opening 515 and the anchor500 is positioned against the scalp, the same portion of natural hair560 is pulled through the hair extension bead until the hair extensionbead is touching the grid mesh of the anchor 500. Pliers, which areshaped to manipulate the hair extension beads, may be used to clamp thehair extension beads when they are in place. A hair extension bead orother fixing element should be applied to each portion of natural hair560 that is threaded through the openings 515 in the anchor 500.

Referring to FIG. 6 , an illustration shows an anchor 600 that isinstalled on a scalp 665 of an individual in an embodiment of thedisclosed hair extension system. An installed anchor 600 is a base forwhich hair extensions can be easily secured. The anchor 600 comprises agrid mesh, which is flexible and conforms to the scalp 665 of theindividual. As shown in the illustration, portions of natural hair 660are threaded through each of the six openings in the anchor 600.

The portions of natural hair 660 are each secured by a fixing element670. The fixing element 670 shown in FIG. 6 is a hair extension beadthat has been clamped by hair extension pliers once the hair extensionbead was positioned at the anchor 600. The flattened fixing element(hair extension bead) is positioned against the anchor (grid mesh) andis larger than, and cannot pass through, the openings in the mesh. Thehair extension beads effectively pin the anchor 600 against the scalp665 of the individual. Various hair extensions may be snapped into themultitude of buttons 610 of the anchor 600. The hair extensions may besnapped and unsnapped (i.e., attached and detached) any number of times.The individual may easily remove and reinstall hair extensions withoutprofessional help. The individual may, for instance, remove the hairextensions while taking part in physical activity and may subsequentlyquickly snap the hair extensions back in.

Referring to FIG. 7 , an illustration shows another anchor 700 that isinstalled to a scalp 765 of an individual in an embodiment of thedisclosed hair extension system. The anchor 700 includes nine firstportions of buttons 710, which may be snapped into second portions ofthe buttons that are secured to hair extensions. The anchor 700 issecured by the portions of natural hair 760 that are threaded throughopenings in the anchor 700. The ends of the anchor 700, which are notvisible in this illustration, terminate in openings that are threadedwith natural hair.

Each of the visible portions of natural hair 760 are clamped by hairextension beads 770, which secure the anchor 700 to the scalp 765 of theindividual. As shown in the illustration, the anchor 700 wraps aroundand conforms to the contours of the scalp 765. In various embodiments,additional anchors may be positioned above and below the anchor 700 toprovide for multiple hair extensions to be secured to the scalp 765.

Referring to FIG. 8 , an illustration shows yet another anchor 800 thatis installed to a scalp 865 of an individual in an embodiment of thedisclosed hair extension system. The illustration shows the scalp 865from a side view as the secured anchor 800 wraps around the back of thehead. The fixing element 870 in the illustration is a hair extensionbead that is clamped by pliers in a position that fixes the anchor 800against the scalp 865.

As the natural hair grows, the portions of natural hair 860 that arethreaded through the openings in the anchor also grow and cause theanchor 800 to loosen. Accordingly, the fixing element 870 can be removedand the natural hair 860 pulled through the anchor 800 to fix the anchor800 once again against the scalp 865. New fixing elements 870 may besecured to the portions of natural hair 860 after the anchor 800 isrepositioned. Thus, the anchor 800 may be repositioned against the scalp865 after the anchor 800 loosens due to growing natural hair.Repositioning the anchor 800 is easily done as the stylist does not haveto thread the portions of natural hair 860 through the openings again.

Referring to FIG. 9 , an illustration shows a fixing element 970 beinginstalled onto the portion of natural hair 960 that has been threadedthrough one of the openings 915 found in the first grid mesh 905. Here,the anchor 900 (with an abridged length indicated by a break line) hasalready been pressed against the scalp of the individual, and theportion of natural hair 960 is positioned in line with the fixingelement 970 such that the tip of the bundle of natural hair is facing anopening of the fixing element. The natural hair 960 should be pulledthrough the hollow fixing element 970, and the fixing element movedalong the natural hair toward the scalp, all the way to the grid mesh905 of the anchor 900, as indicated by motion arrow 990. The fixingelement 970 should finally be positioned so that it is touching the gridmesh 905 of the anchor 900.

The fixing element 970 can consist of a cylindrical bead with athickness comprising one or more layers of compressible material thatcan be deformed into a secondary shape with more rectangular dimensions,so that at least one of these dimensions shortens, causing the interiorof the bead to make substantial contact with natural hair 960. Thisheavy contact fixes both the bead 970 in place and the anchor 900 inplace as a secondary consequence.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an illustration shows a fixing element or bead1070 being compressed, flattened, and secured in place via clamping withappropriately shaped pliers 1075, or other similar fixing tool designedfor this particular purpose, such that the bead 1070 is fastened to thenatural hair 1060. Once again, a break line indicates an abridged lengthof the anchor 1000. With the previously threaded portion of natural hair1060 pulled through the bead 1070 so that the bead is now touching thefirst grid mesh 1005, the fixing tool, which can be shaped to manipulatethe bead, may be used to clamp the bead into place. The flattened fixingelement or bead 1070 possesses sufficient size in at least one dimensionto exceed that of any dimension of the anchor's opening 1015, so theinstalled bead is always touching the grid mesh 1005 and cannot bepulled loose from it under everyday circumstances. Thus, the contactmade between bead 1070 and threaded natural hair 1060 is enough toprevent both movement of the bead and anchor 1000 away from the scalp,since one surface of the anchor is contacted by the individual's naturalhair/scalp, and a second surface is contacted by the secured bead. Asnatural hair growth occurs, loosening and migration of the anchor 1000will follow. At this point, a user or stylist can reposition both anchor1000 and bead 1070 and secure these elements at the scalp area onceagain. The installed bead may be reshaped and clamped into place again,or an entirely new bead can be installed using the above techniques. Afixing element 1070 should be fastened to each portion of natural hair1060 that is threaded through each opening 1015 in the anchor 1000.

Referring to FIG. 11 , an illustration shows an anchor 1100 thatincludes two parallel rows of first portion snap buttons 1110 on itsfirst grid-based mesh 1105, placed in an alternating pattern withrespect to the mesh openings 1115, and having a first row 1180 andsecond row 1181. In this example, the two parallel rows of first portionbuttons 1110 are also positioned in an alternating pattern with respectto each other, such that the first row 1180 is vertically staggeredrelative to the second row 1181. The first mesh 1105 itself does nothave hair extensions or processed hair 1140 already attached to it. Thisexample of an anchor 1100 allows for two different placement options ofa hair extension 1120 on the head of an individual. It also allows forsimultaneous attachment of two separate hair extensions, a first hairextension 1120 and a second hair extension 1135, onto the single anchor1100. Once again, natural hair 1160 is shown threaded through a meshopening 1115.

In the illustrated example, two hair extensions are shown, including afirst hair extension 1120 and a second hair extension 1135. The firsthair extension 1120 further comprises a second grid-based mesh 1125formed by interwoven strands of inert material that form regular gaps orspaces 1126 between them. The second grid-based mesh 1125 furthercomprises two or more second portion snap buttons 1130 which are fixedto the second mesh 1125, as well as hair extensions or processed hair1140 which is also fixed to the second mesh 1125. The second hairextension 1135 further comprises a third grid-based mesh 1136 formed byinterwoven strands of inert material that form regular gaps or spaces1137 between them. The third grid-based mesh 1136 further comprises twoor more second portion snap buttons 1138 which are fixed to the thirdmesh 1136, as well as hair extensions or processed hair 1141 which isalso fixed to the third mesh 1136. The first row 1180 of the firstportions of the snap buttons 1110 aligns with the second portions of thesnap buttons 1130 of the first hair extension 1120, while the second row1181 of the first portions of the snap buttons 1110 aligns with thesecond portions of the snap buttons 1138 of the second hair extension1135.

Both hair extensions 1120 and 1135 are shown in reversed positionsrelative to one another, highlighting the ability of an individual toinstall them in different rotated orientations relative to the firstmesh 1105 of the anchor 1100, including an upside-down orientation—asindicated by the position of the second hair extension 1135, which hasits hair extensions or processed hair 1141 directed upward and away fromboth the first hair extension 1120 and the anchor 1100 with first gridmesh 1105. Motion arrows 1195 indicate the mating of the first row 1180of first portion buttons 1110 of the anchor 1100 and the second portionbuttons 1130 of the first hair extension 1120, such that the secondportion buttons 1130 are snapped onto the first row 1180 of firstportion buttons 1110. Motion arrows 1196 indicate the mating of thesecond row 1181 of first portion buttons 1110 of the anchor 1100 and thesecond portion buttons 1138 of the second hair extension 1135, such thatthe second portion buttons 1138 are snapped onto the second row 1181 offirst portion buttons 1110. Thus, the second mesh 1125 and third mesh1136 are attachable to the first mesh 1105 via the mating of the firstportion buttons 1110 and second portion buttons 1130 and 1138 afternatural hair 1160 has been threaded through the mesh openings 1115 ofthe first mesh 1105. The natural hair 1160 is not clamped between thefirst portion buttons 1110 and second portion buttons 1130 and 1138.

Many variations may be made to the embodiments described herein. Allvariations are intended to be included within the scope of thisdisclosure. The description of the embodiments herein can be practicedin many ways. Any terminology used herein should not be construed asrestricting the features or aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Thescope should instead be construed in accordance with the appendedclaims.

There may be many other ways to implement the disclosed embodiments.Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioneddifferently from those shown without departing from the scope of thedisclosed embodiments. Various modifications to these implementationsmay be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and genericprinciples defined herein may be applied to other implementations. Thus,many changes and modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments,by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from thescope of the disclosed embodiments. For instance, different numbers of agiven element or module may be employed, a different type or types of agiven element or module may be employed, a given element or module maybe added, or a given element or module may be omitted.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein.

1. A method for attaching a hair extension to natural hair of anindividual, the method comprising: threading portions of natural hairthrough a first mesh and a fixing element; the first mesh comprising: afirst grid-based mesh; two or more openings in the first grid-basedmesh, the openings configured for the threading of natural hair of anindividual through said openings; two or more first portions of snapbuttons fixed to the first grid-based mesh; and wherein the portions ofnatural hair are threaded through the two or more openings in the firstgrid-based mesh; positioning the first mesh against a scalp of anindividual; positioning the fixing element against the first mesh;fixing the first mesh to the portions of natural hair, and to the scalpof the individual, by compressing the fixing element such that itflattens and becomes fastened to the natural hair, wherein the flattenedfixing element is larger than, and cannot pass through, the openings;fastening, with the snap buttons, a second mesh to the first mesh; thesecond mesh comprising: a second grid-based mesh; hair extensions fixedto the second grid-based mesh; two or more second portions of the snapbuttons fixed to the second grid-based mesh; and wherein the firstportions of the snap buttons align with the second portions of the snapbuttons.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting aposition of the first mesh after the natural hair of the individual hasgrown out, the adjusting comprising: unfixing the first mesh from theportions of natural hair of the individual; positioning the first meshagainst the scalp of the individual by pulling the portion of naturalhair through the two or more openings in the first mesh; and fixing thefirst mesh to the portions of natural hair of the individual.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first mesh comprises interwoven strandsof inert material.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first meshfurther comprises regular spaces in between the strands of inertmaterial.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the two or more openings arelarger than the regular spaces.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thesecond mesh comprises interwoven strands of inert material.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising unfastening the second mesh fromthe first mesh; and fastening, with the snap buttons, a third mesh tothe first mesh; the third mesh comprising: a third grid-based mesh; hairextensions fixed to the third grid-based mesh; two or more secondportions of the snap buttons fixed to the third grid-based mesh; andwherein the first portions of the snap buttons align with the secondportions of the snap buttons.
 8. A hair extension system, the hairextension system comprising: a first mesh, the first mesh comprising: afirst grid-based mesh having no hair extensions attached hereto; two ormore openings in the first grid-based mesh, each of the openingsconfigured for the threading of natural hair of an individual throughsaid openings; and two or more first portions of snap buttons fixed tothe first grid-based mesh wherein the openings and the first portions ofthe snap buttons are positioned on the first mesh in an alternatingpattern, wherein the first portions of snap buttons are arranged in afirst row and a second row that are parallel to one another; a secondmesh, the second mesh comprising: a second grid-based mesh; hairextensions fixed to the second grid-based mesh; two or more secondportions of the snap buttons fixed to the second grid-based mesh; andwherein the first row of the first portions of the snap buttons alignswith the second portions of the snap buttons; a third mesh, the thirdmesh comprising: a third grid-based mesh; hair extensions fixed to thethird grid-based mesh; two or more second portions of the snap buttonsfixed to the third grid-based mesh; and wherein the second row of thefirst portions of the snap buttons aligns with the second portions ofthe snap buttons; wherein the second mesh and third mesh are attachableto the first mesh via mating of the first and second portions of thesnap buttons, and wherein the natural hair is not clamped between thesnap buttons.
 9. The hair extension system of claim 8, furthercomprising a fixing element that fastens natural hair, which is threadedthrough at least one of the two or more openings, to the first mesh. 10.The hair extension system of claim 9, wherein the first mesh comprisesinterwoven strands of inert material.
 11. The hair extension system ofclaim 10, wherein the first mesh further comprises regular spaces inbetween the strands of inert material.
 12. The hair extension system ofclaim 11, wherein the two or more openings are larger than the regularspaces.
 13. The hair extension system of claim 12, wherein the secondmesh comprises: interwoven strands of inert material; and regular spacesin between the strands of inert material.
 14. The hair extension systemof claim 8, wherein the first row of the first portions of snap buttonsare vertically staggered relative to the second row of the firstportions of the snap buttons.
 15. A hair extension system, the hairextension system comprising: an anchor that is fixable to a scalp of anindividual, the anchor comprising: a grid-based mesh formed byinterwoven strands of inert material; two or more openings in thegrid-based mesh, each of the openings having a perimeter edge formed bythe inert material and configured for the threading of natural hair ofan individual through said openings; and two or more first portions ofsnap buttons fixed to the grid-based mesh; wherein the anchor has nohair extensions attached thereto; a fixing element that is in contactwith the grid-based mesh and that fastens natural hair, which isthreaded through at least one of the two or more openings and the fixingelement, to the anchor, wherein the natural hair is not clamped betweenthe snap buttons, and wherein the fixing element is larger than, andcannot pass through, the openings.
 16. The hair extension system ofclaim 15, further comprising a first hair extension, the first hairextension comprising: hair attached to a strip of material; two or moresecond portions of the snap buttons fixed to the strip of material; andwherein the first portions of the snap buttons align with the secondportions of the snap buttons.
 17. The hair extension system of claim 16,further comprising a second hair extension, the second hair extensioncomprising: hair attached to a strip of material; two or more secondportions of the snap buttons fixed to the strip of material; wherein thefirst portions of the snap buttons align with the second portions of thesnap buttons; wherein the first hair extension and second hair extensionare attachable to the anchor; and wherein the first hair extension andsecond hair extension are interchangeably attachable to the anchor whilethe anchor is fixed to the scalp of the individual.
 18. The hairextension system of claim 15, wherein the first portions of snap buttonsare arranged in a first row and a second row that are parallel to oneanother, and wherein the first row of the first portions of snap buttonsare vertically staggered relative to the second row of the firstportions of the snap buttons.
 19. The hair extension system of claim 15,wherein the grid-based mesh further comprises regular spaces in betweenthe strands of inert material.
 20. The hair extension system of claim15, wherein the two or more openings are larger than the regular spaces.